Evening of Appreciation event recognizes commitment to healthcare in Southwest Florida.
Lee Health Foundation has awarded the Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award to Mark Ain, a local philanthropist, for his extraordinary commitment to the education and professional development of nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) at Lee Health through the creation of the Heart of Caring Scholarship Program, including donations and pledges of over $5.1 million.
For over a decade, Ain has been a steadfast supporter of Lee Health nursing staff. In 2014, he founded the Heart of Caring Scholarship Program to provide educational seminars and financial assistance to nurses and CNAs seeking to advance their careers. This program has since covered the costs of tuition, books, academic expenses and stipends for multiple CNAs pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), as well as many educational seminars.
“Lee Health is very special to me, particularly given the great care that I have received, especially from the nurses and the CNAs that made my hospital visit and recovery a fantastic experience,” said Ain. It has been one of the joys of my life to be involved with the Lee Health Foundation Board and be blessed with the financial resources to contribute to advancing great care for our friends and neighbors.”
The prestigious Frank Haskell Humanitarian Award was presented to Ain at Lee Health Foundation’s annual Evening of Appreciation, an event that honors supporters for their generosity and dedication to enhancing healthcare services within Lee Health. Held Nov. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, the formal event thanked over 300 donors and supporters in attendance, including the Lee Health Foundation board. Dr. Larry Antonucci, Lee Health’s president and CEO, and Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s chief development, marketing and communications officer, shared insights into the vision for the new Lee Health, including continued expansion and technological advancements throughout the health system.
The award is named in honor of the late Frank Haskell, who along with his late wife, Betty, co-founded Barbara’s Friends – Golisano Children’s Hospital cancer fund. For more than 20 years, Frank Haskell worked nonstop to help local children win their battles with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. Past recipients of the award include Amanda Cross, Joe Catti, Susan Goldy, Al Kinkle, Steve Machiz, Jim Nathan, Lex Roulston, Richard M. Schulze and Scott Spiezle.
“As a former Lee Health Foundation trustee, Mark knows the importance of donations and endowments to provide long-term support for programs within our health system,” said Dr. James Orr, vice chair of the Lee Health Foundation board of trustees. “We are grateful for his continued dedication to Lee Health and the community of Southwest Florida.”
For more information about healthcare advocacy in Southwest Florida and philanthropic opportunities with Lee Health, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.
